To start a fresh playthrough of Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield, delete that game’s save data for the chosen Switch user: open System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data, select the game and user, then confirm. This permanently erases that user’s local save, so check the profile before confirming. If you want to keep your current playthrough, use another Switch user profile instead.
Delete a Pokémon Sword or Shield save
- From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Delete Save Data.
- Choose Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield.
- Select the Switch user whose save you want to erase. If the console has multiple users, check the profile carefully.
- Confirm deletion. Launch the game again under that user to begin a new playthrough.
Nintendo’s data-management instructions explain that save data is stored in the console’s system memory, not on the game card or microSD card.
What deletion removes—and what it does not
Deleting save data removes the selected user’s progress for the selected game. It is different from deleting the game software: removing the software or its HOME Menu icon leaves save data in place, and reinstalling the software does not reset progress. Nintendo also says save data is user-specific and cannot be shared with another user on the same console.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield do not support Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud. Nintendo’s unsupported-games list, dated July 30, 2026, includes both titles, so you cannot rely on that cloud service to restore a deleted save.
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- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Keep your save and play again another way
Use another Switch user profile
If you want a separate playthrough without erasing your existing progress, create or use another user profile on the console, then launch the game while that profile is active. The new user has a separate save; the existing user’s save remains associated with its own profile.
Move eligible Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
Before deleting a save, you can connect Pokémon HOME to the relevant Sword or Shield save and move Pokémon that HOME allows into its Boxes. Pokémon Support explains that some Pokémon cannot be moved. This can preserve eligible Pokémon, but it does not back up the game’s story progress, items, or entire save.
Rank #2
- New entries in the main series of Pokémon RPGs arrive on Nintendo Switch simultaneously in late 2019
- The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games take place in the newly discovered Galar Region
- Galar is an expansive region with diverse environments - an idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest and craggy, snow-covered mountains
- Fans will have the opportunity to visit Gyms in the Galar region in their quest to become Champion
- Newly discovered partner Pokémon join in this new iteration of the games - Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
Why the System Settings method is the safest choice
Nintendo’s documented route is through System Settings. The official guidance cited here does not verify a title-screen button combination for deleting a Sword or Shield save, so use the settings method rather than relying on button shortcuts reported for other Pokémon games.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Rank #4
- A new generation of Pokemon is coming to the Nintendo Switch system.
- Become a Pokemon Trainer and embark on a new journey in the new Galar region!
- Choose from one of three new partner Pokemon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.
- In this all new adventure, you'll encounter new and familiar Pokemon as you catch, battle, and trade Pokemon while exploring new areas and uncovering an all-new story.
- Get ready for the next Pokemon adventure in the Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield games.
Rank #3
![Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Hn46gyJvL._SL160_.jpg)
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them
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